The concentration of each allergen has been established so that it is high enough to evoke a reaction even in weakly sensitized patients – yet low enough to minimize the risk of irritant reactions.
|
No |
Allergens |
mg/cm2 |
mg/patch |
|
1 |
Nickel sulphate |
0.20 |
0.16 |
|
2 |
Wool alcohols |
1.0 |
0.81 |
|
3 |
Neomycin sulphate |
0.23 |
0.19 |
|
4 |
Potassium dichromate |
0.0023 |
0.019 |
|
5 |
Caine mix |
0.63 |
0.51 |
|
6 |
Fragrance mix |
0.43 |
0.35 |
|
7 |
Colophony |
0.85 |
0.69 |
|
8 |
Epoxy resin |
0.050 |
0.041 |
|
9 |
Quinoline mix |
0,19 |
0,154 |
|
10 |
Balsam of Peru |
0,80 |
0,65 |
|
11 |
Ethylenediaminedihyrocloride |
0,050 |
0,041 |
|
12 |
Cobalt chloride |
0,020 |
0,016 |
|
13 |
P-tertButylphenolformaldehyderesin |
0,050 |
0,041 |
|
14 |
Paraben mix |
1,0 |
0,80 |
|
15 |
Carba mix |
0,25 |
0,20 |
|
16 |
Black rubber mix |
0,075 |
0,060 |
|
17 |
Cl+Me-Isothiazolinone (Kathon CG) |
0,0040 |
0,0032 |
|
18 |
Quaternium-15 |
0,10 |
0,081 |
|
19 |
Mercaptobenzothiazole |
0,075 |
0,061 |
|
20 |
P-Phenylenediamine |
0,090 |
0,073 |
|
21 |
Formaldehyde |
0,18 |
0,15 |
|
22 |
Mercapto mix |
0,075 |
0,060 |
|
23 |
Thimerosal |
0,0080 |
0,0065 |
|
24 |
Thiuram mix |
0,025 |
0,020 |
|
25 |
Diazolidinyl urea (Germall II) |
0,55 |
0,45 |
|
26 |
Imidazolidinyl urea (Germal 115) |
0,60 |
0,49 |
|
27 |
Budesonide |
0,0010 |
0,00081 |
|
28 |
TixocortolPivalate |
0,0030 |
0,0024 |
|
29 |
Hydrocortisone-17-butyrate |
0,020 |
0,016 |
Allergic contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction that occurs when substances to which you are allergic come in contact with your skin. These substances can be found in many different ingredients: for example, in your perfume or aftershave, an antibiotic ointment or cream, even rubber boots.
*** Are there any special instructions that I must follow while using PATCH TEST ?
PATCH TEST can be used all year. Moisture around the test area must be avoided. Therefore, when bathing or showering, you must be careful not to get the test panel or surrounding area wet. If the test panel does become wet, it may loosen and the test must be repeated. For the same reason, any activity such as sunbathing or exercising, which may cause you to sweat, should be avoided while wearing the panels.
*** What other precautions or warnings should I be aware of before using PATCH TEST?
The substance on the test panel seldom leads to sensitization. A test reaction that appears later than 10 days after application of the test may be a sign of contact sensitization. Excited skin syndrome (angry back) is a state of hyper reactivity induced by dermatitis on other parts of the body or by a strong positive skin test reaction. Therefore, test results should be evaluated carefully in patients with multiple, positive, concomitant patch test results. To determine which reactions are false positive, retesting at a later date may be necessary.
The doctor should avoid applying the test on skin with acne, scars, dermatitis or any other condition that may interfere with test results.
If a severe patch test reaction develops, the patient may be treated with a topical corticosteroid or, in rare cases, with a systemic corticosteroid.
*** Avoidance
PATCH TEST is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
PATCH TEST is not recommended for use in children.
Precautions should be taken if you are using PATCH TEST together with other medicaments and other forms of interaction Since steroids may suppress a positive test reaction, use of topical steroids on the patch test site or oral steroids (equivalent to 10 mg prednisolone) should be discontinued for at least two weeks prior to testing.
*** When will the results be read?
The patient must wear PATCH TEST for a minimum of 48 hours without removing it and being careful not to get the test area wet (water, sweat). Following this period, the test panels can be removed either by the physician or the patient.
The reaction should be read 1/2 a hour after removal of the test panels and again 1 to 2 days after removal, when the allergic reactions are fully developed and mild irritant reactions have faded.
Allergens neomycin sulphate and p-phenylenediamine, sometimes cause reactions, which might not appear for 4 to 5 days after test panels have been removed. Patients should be instructed to inform their doctor of any late reactions and if appropriate, an office visit should be scheduled to verify a late reaction.
*** What is the doctor looking for?
The doctor will carefully examine the test area for signs of an allergic reaction. This reaction usually consists of a rash with swelling, redness and tiny blisters. Redness alone, however, does not necessarily mean that it is an allergic reaction.
If you are allergic, the doctor will provide information on where in the everyday surroundings you are likely to come in contact with the offending substances. The doctor will also tell how best to avoid these substances and often suggest alternatives to the items that should be avoided.
*** Additional Information
Patients showing a negative reaction may still be sensitized to another substance not included in the test panels. Furthermore, false-negative results may occur. It may be necessary to retest or test with complementary substances.
A positive reaction should meet the criteria for an allergic reaction (papular or vesicular erythema and infiltration).
Pustules, as well as patchy follicular or homogeneous erythema without infiltration, are usually signs of irritation and do not indicate allergy.
When evaluating a positive test reaction, remember to determine whether the response is a true positive reaction or a non-specific irritant reaction